As Smith heads to D.C., questions linger over her replacement

After a year that saw budget battles, a legal fight between branches of government and two lawmakers swept out of office over sexual misconduct allegations of last year, 2018 will start with another big event: Lt. Gov. Tina Smith heading to Washington to take a place in the U.S. Senate.

Smith’s move has triggered questions and bickering over who will succeed her at the state Capitol. It’s a critical question that has major ramifications for control of the Senate and could define the legislative session.